I think it probably is a VIP aircraft (government visit?). Which aircraft was it, the VIP A310-300, the new VIP configured A330-200? Also what's up with the VIP A340-500 which the Qatar Government ordered quite a while ago? Will this aircraft still be delivered? I read it's waiting on interior fitting? Not related to this topic, the (Royal Jordanian) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan VIP configured A340-200 was seen in San Francisco a while ago. Those aircraft must have a nice interior/cabin lay-out

It's not unheard of to see those VIP aircraft in the USA. In September, I saw two Qatari aircraft, an A300 and an A320, parked next to each other on the south side of LAX, near the cargo area. Unfortuantely, my pics of it were not uploadable in terms of quality. Oh well...

Here is the Qatar VIP A345. It was rolled out of the Airbus factory May 2003. It's currently having its interior fitted and that can take upto 20 months, so I don't think it'll be too long before they start flying for the government now.

Thanks for the info Horus. As usual, you have more insight in aviation in the Middle East. Why does it take so long to fit the interior in Qatar's case? Do all VIP aircraft need almost two years to fit the aircraft with the interiors they want? I can imagine it takes more time than fitting a 'normal' interior, but two years? I am just curious to know why it takes so long. I hope to see Qatar's new VIP A340-500 flying around very soon, must be very nice to have such a private jet

I'm not too sure why they take that long but the entire fittings proccess can take from as little as 6 months to upto 2 years depending on what exactly is being fitted, especially if the fittings are designed or built to order.